Dogs were the first animal to be domesticated and the first 'man-made' species. Today, there are hundreds of recognised dog breeds, each with its own unique set of physical and behavioural characteristics... but they all retain certain instincts and behaviours that can be traced back to their origins as wolves.

But where did it all start? I'm pretty sure I can't grab a wolf, give it a snack and expect it to curl up in my living room. So how and why did this happen, and when? Why are dogs such an important and even fundamental part of human lives? And why not bears or foxes? How did we end up with so many different breeds and why do they look so different from each other? And how different are they really?

In this Slice, we'll answer all those questions by looking at wolf and dog evolution and some of the early dog breeds and their purposes. We'll also find out the truth about pedigrees, offer some tips on training and behaviour, have a quick look at some heroic dogs in fiction and real life, and consider what the future might hold for dogs.

Once you've read this Slice, I hope you'll have a better understanding of these amazing animals, but also that you'll look at the dogs around you with fresh eyes, because each one of them – from the proudest pedigree to the scruffiest mutt – is a living testament to one of the most extraordinary evolutionary stories on our planet.

Topics covered include:

Evolution of wolves
The domestication process
Human selection in dog evolution
The standardisation of dog breeds
Hounds and gun dogs
Pastoral (herding) dogs
Working dogs
Terriers
Toy dogs
Utility (non-sporting)
Breeding at the extremes
Dog behaviours and training
Dogs working in the modern world
Hero dogs in fiction and real life

Suitable for teens, young adults and adults... and children with a good reading level!